Subnautica – How to find the PCF (Primary Containment Facility)

Here is a quick guide for finding the Primary Containment Facility.

Guide to Finding the PCF

In this guide, I’ll show you a fast and somewhat dangerous path to the PCF. I’ll try to mark the major spoilers, but you should already be familiar with most of the story if you’re reading this.

Requirements

For this to work there are a few things that need to have happened, both story wise & through construction.

1. The first (and only) story related progress you require is a radio message from CTO Yu Lifepod 2 – Northern Blood Kelp Zone.
2. You will need a Cyclops sub with it’s Mk. 3 depth module for this – a seamoth can only go about half as deep as we need to, & a prawn Suit will run out of juice before you get there.
3. You will also need a Reinforced Dive Suit – where we’re going it gets hot!
4. You will also need a blue tablet – I’ll tell you where to get that later.

The Process

Now. For the long awaited trip to the Primary Containment facility!

Step 1

Get in your Cyclops. Make sure you have received Yu’s message. Go there (ensure you have enough rations) & look around for a large opening in the cliff face. There may or may not be a crabsquid guarding the entrance – just turn your lights off.

Step 2

The interior of the cave should look something like this:

Once you have entered the cave keep left! This is very very very important as there is a juvenile ghost leviathan to the right. I found that out the hard way…

After this you should find a large hole that drops straight down – start the decent.

Step 3

Stay right now. This is also very important as you don’t want to wander into another leviathan’s territory. After a relatively short distance you should find another opening. Turn right into it. The cave should look something like this:

Step 4

Follow the blue brine. This stuff won’t hurt you like the green version does.

Step 5

The water will start to bubble, and the temperature will rise quickly. Watch out for Lava Larva as they will drain your power cells and leave you stranded. Don’t worry, your vehicle can handle the heat (but not actual lava – that’s too hot). Continue through this lava corridor until you reach a large cave with small lava rivers and loud roaring sounds. Take a moment to check for large hostile creatures – use silent running mode if needed to avoid being destroyed.

Step 6

You will need a Blue Tablet to access the facility – get the blueprint from inside the Lava Castle (that big rock dome. Take your power cells with you – you don’t want the energy sucked out of them by the Larva There should be a doorway looking thing leading through some caves – watch out for Lava Lizards.

Step 7

Once you have returned from your task of the blue tablet, follow the streams of lava – you should find a large depression that your sub will fit down. Go down this hole, but beware – a Sea Dragon Leviathan guards your target.

Step 8

Switch to silent running if you haven’t already – you won’t make it there alive if you don’t. Now – go around the leviathan by clinging to the cave walls.

You should be at the PCF by now – make use of your blue tablet & open the facility!

Congratulations!

Congrats. You have reached your target. Now go finish that storyline!